Going through election withdrawal? How 'bout a protest?

I don't know about you, but I had a distinct bittersweet taste in my mouth on November 5. Sweet for obvious reasons; the bitter came from the passing of Proposition 8 in California. I thought it was a damn shame that just as our nation seems to be breaking down some important barriers, we build new ones.

But there is still something we can do about it, even this long after the election. "There's a national protest taking place on Saturday at exactly the same time across the country, in all fifty states, and most states have more than one city," says Jill Roat, who organized Denver's protest.

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Although the protest is planned to show opposition to Proposition 8, it's also intended to offer support for equal rights. "It is a national issue," Roat says. "The intent is not only to rally the people here to move forward and keep fighting for their rights, but also to show the country that there is a huge number of people who do not agree with inequality for anybody. We’re not protesting or rallying for a specific piece of legislature in Colorado at this time, but it’s important that we get active and not be complacent.

"One thing that we’re really trying to emphasize is that this isn’t a rally just for gay people," she adds. "There’s been too much exclusivity involved in the gay rights movment, and I think people are starting to realize it’s not just a gay rights issue, it’s a civil issue. Gay, straight, black, white, Christian, Jewish, anyone who wants to stand up and fight for equal rights needs to."

Amen, sister.

Head to the City & County Building, 1437 Bannock Street, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 15 for the rally. So far, more than 250,000 people nationwide have pledged to show up in support of the protest; let's make sure Colorado gives a good showing. E-mail Roat at btpdenver@yahoo.com for information and visit http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com to learn more about the movement and protests outside Denver. -- Amber Taufen

Michael Roberts has written for Westword since October 1990, serving stints as music editor and media columnist. He currently covers everything from breaking news and politics to sports and stories that defy categorization.